Finally, all ornamentals in the family Marantaceae are known as prayer plants because leaves fold up (raise) during evenings as if they were praying. Your source of practical, everyday gardening tips. With a solid watering schedule, your plant will thrive well. Related: Calathea Leaves Curling: What You Should Know. It is best if the humidity is over 50%. So, theyre better avoided. Is Calathea Plant Toxic (Cats, Dogs & Other Animals) A rich soil mix will help your plant soak up the nutrients it needs to thrive, while peat moss and mulch in the soil will help you drain any excess water that the plant does not need. Is Zebra Plant Toxic to Cats? | Pet Care Advisors There are nearly 60 species and 300 cultivators of the Calathea family, and all of them are non-toxic to cats, dogs, humans, or other pets. If your cat eats any part of the Calathea plant and shows signs of discomfort, get in touch with your vet straight away to rule out any underlying issues. This makes Calathea a great plant to have in the house without being a threat to your dog. If your calathea rufibarba was exposed to direct sun, and you misted it the water drops on the leaves with a combination of sun can burn the leaves. Rufibarba Calathea needs to be kept moist at all times. It was wrapped with an oversized plasti-paper-cache so I didnt notice, until I was home, to my delight and surprise..! While strict carnivores, cats may graze on greeneries from time to time. Some of these cultivars include the following: If you have cats or even dogs, there are house plants you should because they are not safe, and they include aloe vera. This doesnt mean that you need to throw out your plant, as chances of recovery are pretty high if you know what to look out for. This could be because of too much fertilizer or even an off-balanced PH level. Theyre often used in homes and office buildings. Keep the plants in hanging pots and stands to avoid reaching your cats to your plants. Try to do this once youve pruned and prepared your plant to be repotted. Is Carbonated Water Good For Plants? The Goeppertia Rufibarba, also called Calathea Rufibarba, Furry Feather, Fuzzy Feather, and Velvet Calathea, is one of the most beautiful Calatheas youll see around. It can present isteslf as spots on the leaves. Spider mites, mealy bugs, and leaf scales can still be an issue, however these pests generally dislike high humidity. Known for their stunning beauty and easy care, Calathea plants are a loved choice for indoor plant lovers. Adaptable As Houseplant. The smell and taste will ward off your cats. If youre using tap water, the minerals in the water could cause brown tips. (According to Science), How to Get Cat Poop Stains Out of the Couch: 4 Stain Remover Options, Why Do Cats Eat Plants? Calathea ornata or pinstripe plant is safe to cats as well as dogs and even humans. It's advisable to keep the plant out of reach and monitor your cat when they are near it. 8 Reasons for This Behavior, Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? Your email address will not be published. Your Calathea Rufibarba needs to be watered around once a week or once every ten days as a rule of thumb. To fix this, you can add some more nitrogen and iron-rich fertilizer and then continue to water your Calathea less and remove it from bright light. All Calathea species are safe for cats to play with and feed on. If your kitty starts showing scary stuff, like having a hard time breathing or fits, you gotta rush them to the vet, stat. Calathea rufibarba (commonly known as furry feather or velvet Calathea) is an ornamental houseplant. If you own other houseplants, you can bookmark to read Ponytail, Philodendron, Gardenia. No, Calathea Ornata pinstripe is not considered toxic to cats. Avoid using cold water for your plants; room temperature water is best. You can expect colorful blooms around summer and spring. This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. the other species and cultivars of calatheas like . As stated above, any Calathea plant you currently own or are thinking of getting is going to be cat-friendly. Thanks very much. Calathea Rufibarba | How to Care for Furry Feather Calathea? You shouldnt just buy an ornamental because they are safe if you dont intend to grow and care for them properly. The surface of your potting media should ideally always feel damp but never soggy. d mom of three rescued dogs, Lemmy, Nala, and Pochi, and a frisky kitten, Furiosa. At first, youll want to wait and allow the plant to acclimate to its new home and environment. Calathea rufibarba requires temperature between 22C and 30 C in summer. Thats because munching on the plants leaves will cause a burning sensation in your cats stomach and throat. Goeppertia Rufibarba is a cultivar within the Calathea genus. Thisll create a sticky situation that your cat will absolutely hate. We recommend you do this if you want an added appeal to your houseplant. Just check that the edges arent sharp so as not to harm yourself or your cat. If the leaves on your plant are constantly pointing down and drooping your plant is most likely not getting enough water. Currently, Shana lives in the Pacific Northwest with her partner and their dog. Here are the steps in Calathea rufibarba care guide: Choose the right potting mix: Choose a well-draining potting mix consisting of potting soil, compost, coconut coir, and vermiculite or perlite. FamiPlants: Easy Tips To Take Care Of Healthy Plants, The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Overwatered Monstera Care Tips: Signs & guide to save it, Common Monstera pests and Diseases: How to deal with them, How to Care For Calathea Lutea: A Comprehensive Guide, Calathea Louisae: Guide to Care and Growing Your Plant, When To Repot Calathea To Keep Your Plant Happy. Give your plant a good trim if you have some dried leaves. Although, when in doubt, a 10-10-10 ratio is suitable for almost anything. Moreover, cats might crave a different texture or fiber in their mouth. In some cases, winter is a significant cause for concern. Published: April 18, 2022 Updated: September 4th, 2022 Introduction Calathea Rufibarba is a stunning plant with a unique appearance that makes it an excellent choice for indoor gardeners. The red-backed, green foliage often has tiny little hairs covering the leaves. Having the privilege of sharing her knowledge and passion for animals of all kinds is what makes her fulfilled and happy. Theres a cluster of the bracts at the base of the plant. Read Privacy Policy. This is perfectly normal. A yellow leaf occasionally is natural, as leaves die off they will become yellow (usually leaves at the bottom of the plant). If you dont know your plants that well, this section is for you. Calathea Vittata Beauty Star Rattlesnake Peacock Triostar Stromanthein 4 pots, $76.97 Amazon. Their decorative leaves and colorful inflorescences (which some species have) make them popular house pot plants. You must provide them 8-10 hours of daily bright diffused light with a temperature of 60-85F. These are easier to spot as youll notice some white specks of what looks like candy floss. Most cats may not have any bad reactions after exposure to Calathea plants. You may want to avoid fertilizing during its dormancy period during the winter as this will just wash away eventually. Plus, both options are very decorative. Calathea plants are popular choices for indoor decorating. These leaves fold up at night and open again each morning. Rufibarba is nicknamed the 'Furry Feather Calathea' because its wavy leaves Yes. Curious cats seem to always get into things that we dont want them to. If you live in a home with a lower than ideal air humidity and want to ensure that the plant receives adequate humidity without giving it too much attention, place your rufibarba in the kitchen or the bathroom. But did, Is Calathea Toxic to Cats? Read on to learn more about why calatheas wont harm your favorite furry buddy. Luckily, with a bit of TLC and a couple of tools, you can get your plant back into shape. Does Calathea Need Sunlight? Calathea. You can either add a few chili flakes or a couple of ounces of a cleaning agent or a perfume, Install hanging baskets to store your Calathea in. These symptoms should clear up within 24 hours. We will highlight those others at another time! Is a Calathea Toxic to Cats? Tips For Pet Safety Around Houseplants Here are just a handful of issues you can expect. If you plan on bringing this plant to your office or house, make sure that it sits at least 3-4 feet from your window to give it enough light. With enough light, the plant will keep producing colored leaves and will continue to look full and healthy. If youre really in a pinch, you can also mix together some blended-up onion, garlic, dishwasher liquid, and water. Use a safe feed for plants and bug spray when caring for a Calathea plant if you have cats. This plant is known for its unique foliage and vibrant colors, making it a stunning addition to any indoor plant collection. The Goeppertia Rufibarba received its nicknames from the texture of the leaves. During that process, you can easily shake off any loose soil and slowly begin to cut the plant into the desired sections. But is calathea toxic to cats? At a certain point (usually after the first growth season), your Calathea Fuzzy may be old enough to start propagating. But have you ever thought of toxicity? With the right conditions, your Calathea will give off bright yellow clusters of flowers at the base of the plant. Be sure not to water plants at night, though, as this can usually cause issues with molding or rot, especially if you get any water on the leaves. 31 cat. Calathea plants are not toxic to cats, but they can cause gastrointestinal upset if consumed in large quantities. He is an explorer and often gives the readers his best encounter with new plants with a juicy article. Additionally, when caring for a calathea plant it is important to avoid using certain fertilizers or insecticides as these may also be toxic to cats if consumed. Watering: Water your Calathea Rufibarba every 5 days once the top 1" of soil is dry (2.5cm). For example, calcium oxalates. | Top Tips to save Your Devils Ivy, Causes of Philodendron Birkin Brown Spots? Learn more. These reasons are why its often confused for a Calathea variety. The discolored leaves may leave you feeling like youve failed your plant baby. Is Calathea Rufibarba Toxic To Cats - Cat Meme Stock Pictures and Photos Philodendron Leaves Curling: What You Should Know, Overwatered Philodendron: Problem and Solutions, How Often To Water Philodendron: Detailed Plant Requirements, Do Philodendrons Like Humidity? It may be a bit harder to inspect this plant for pests before bringing it into your home as it has dense and furry foliage. Despite this, this is still an important thing to do. Monstera Node vs Aerial Root: What is the difference? Scientific Name: Calathea spp. Remember, cats are good at getting into stuff theyre not supposed to, so you gotta keep the plant away from your furry buddy. Calathea Rufibarba Care Guide - Garden and Plant Care Besides, you need to keep some portion of chemicals or fertilizers that your cat may have contracted with. Unfortunately, there is such a thing as too much light. Good stuff still, Calathea orbifolia is not toxic to your cats or dogs. Soil: Rich, well draining compost with some perlite for drainage. Sometimes your Fuzzy Feather Calathea will show some brown tips. Toxic Principles: Non-toxic. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. It means that if your cat should happen to get into a Calathea plant, there is no reason to panic. However, since cats are curious creatures by nature, you may have found your kitty sniffing around your plants or freshly cut flowers in the home. Check out the links below to get your hands on a Furry Calathea: Calatheas are known to be a little tricky to take care of. To keep your cat away from Calatheas is by use deterrents like: With the proper precautions and some cat-proofing, you can enjoy your Calatheas without having to worry about any furry intruders! Hepper is reader-supported. Unfortunately, this could harm your plant since a cats urine is highly toxic. TheCalathea rufibarba (Goeppertia rufibarba)is a native plant of the Amazon rainforests in Brazil. 9.4K subscribers in the calatheas community. This plant needs soil that drains well and retains moisture. Family: MarantaceaeCommon Name: Calathea, Prayer Plants, Furry Feather, Velvet CalatheaBotanical name: Calathea 'Furry Feather' The narrow leaves of the Calathea rufibarba feature the mesmerizing patterns Prayer Plants are known for along with velvety purple undersides. Calatheas do not enjoy receiving too little attention. However, if your cat consumes too much of the plant, it might make them sick for a little while. Therefore, protect or avoid any houseplants that are dangerous to your cat, such as the peace lilies, aloe vera, pothos, jade plants, sago palms, snake plants, English ivy, Dumbcane, Amaryllis, Begonias, chrysanthemum, daffodils, dahlias, among many others. Plus chic renter friendly DIYs inspo. Calathea Rufibarba Care: Growing The Furry Feather Calathea Read on to learn more about this beautiful, non-toxic plant, as well as some other plants that are safe to have in your home along with your furry pals. Color Full Soft Kitty - Calathea rufibarba | Proven Winners That being said, there are many things you can do to keep your cat away from your Calathea. Even though Calatheas arent harmful to cats, its crucial to remember that individual cats can show different reactions to the same plant. Is Cat Palm Safe for Cats? - Daily Paws The combination of intricate patterns and texture is . Cats can chew and pull all the leaves off, damage the roots, dig up the plant completely, and destroy your Calathea to the point of no return. I bought one of these yesterday. You can also try bottom watering, which will take a bit longer but ensures that the roots get enough water while all other water will surface to the top. The good news is that Calatheas are harmless to your cat. Contact Us:Email: famiplants@gmail.comPhone number: +1 717 512 7933Address: 119 Fox St, Harrisburg, PA 17109, Copyright 2023 FamiPlants All Rights Reserved. Checking the soil often, as well as the state of the foliage, will point you in the right direction. Applya solution of insecticide and remove heavily infested leaves. Its wavy green leaves are lanceolate, have a velvety feel, and sport a dark purple underside. What are Some Other Popular Non-Toxic Houseplants? If your dog tends to consume the leaves of Calathea that can shock the plant, you can train the dog not to go near your Calathea or keep it on a shelf where your dog will not be able to reach. Toxic plants usually contain some sort of active substance that can vary based on the locality, maturity of the plant as well as part of the plant that youve been exposed to. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a30ad94d9b0c5014a92bd2b4e19c84de" );document.getElementById("bea8ce1610").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Calathea Rufibarba Care (Goeppertia rufibarba) - My Little Jungle They can also repeatedly make a mess in your home by getting into your plants. Her experience has enabled her to easily detect any issues such as pest infestations, nutrient deficiencies, or signs of diseases in the plants. Here are a few possibilities when it comes to your feline: Many cats just like the way plants feel as they chew them. Besides these concerns, you do not have to worry about keeping your Calathea and your cats together. If consumed, fertilizers, insecticides, or any chemical applied to Calathea may harm the furry pet. In terms of temperature, C. rufibarba prefers temperature around 65F to 90F / 18C to 30C. This plant also has soft, fine hairs that cover both the leaves and petioles. The quickest option, though, is to purchase them online. The Calathea rufibarba (Goeppertia rufibarba) is a native plant of the Amazon rainforests in Brazil. Azalea ingestion can result in cardiac arrest, while lilies can cause kidney failure. To care for Calathea rufibarba use a well-draining potting mix consisting of potting soil, compost, coconut coir, and vermiculite or perlite. Lets learn more about Calathea plants and other safe plants for your cat. I created this blog to give practical indoor plants care advice for first-time parent plants and small apartment dwellers. These feline creatures are usually up to no good either. When you first receive your new plant baby, you may be wondering how to repot Calatheas. True palms like majesty, parlor, areca, and so on. If cats eat those hard-to-dissolve calcium oxalate crystals in Calathea plants, they might get a little tummy trouble, like throwing up or having poop issues. Their unique aesthetic appeal makes them a cool decorative element that can boost the beauty of any indoor space. But most of the time, these problems will pass on their own, no treatment needed. Cats are clumsy ramblers that can get covered with pollen grains while playing around. Leaf discoloration is the ultimate tell-tale sign that something is either intrinsically wrong with the soil or with the water your plant is receiving nutrients from. If your cat hears rattling sounds whenever it comes near your Calathea, itd soon find it unpleasant and stay away from it. Always try to mimic the natural environment of these kinds of cultivars to get a good and healthy plant. Calathea Rufibarba - How to Care for Velvet Calathea Besides calatheas, other cat-safe ornamental plants you may like include the following: While you may want to have the coolest looking house, there are plants you must avoid or protect if you have cats. Many plants are rich in fibers that help regulate the digestive system, so the feeling of ease can induce your cat to eat plants. They are easy to care for and have wide, bright green leaves. Calatheas live on the jungle floor. After graduating from university with a degree from Cornell University and working at a nursery, she gained detailed knowledge about various kinds of plants and how to properly care for them. Be sure to check with the instruction manual to avoid your grow lights burning your plant. As with many tropical plants, the Feather Calathea also appreciates a good feed every month or so. Usually, any kind of light from windows or dappled through trees. This too is a method that might decrease your plants appeal. Of course, people can be allergic to far more. If your light is placed correctly, you can quickly increase your plants light, temperature, and humidity. Fertilize your plant with the correct fertilizer and try to keep it away from any heavy draughts. So, as a cat owner, you have nothing to worry about. Weve all heard the stories, catnip is essentially a cat drug that your pet never asked for. Excessive sunlight will burn their leaves and wont let them have the most vibrant of colors. Is Calathea Toxic to Cats? Vet-Reviewed Houseplants Examined This has led many gardeners to give it nicknames such as the fuzzy/ furry feather Calathea, velvet Calathea, furry Calathea, and many more. The stems of a rufibarba are long and slender and are burgundy in color as well. If your cat is destructive to your plants, its best to try some ways to keep them away from the area and get them interested in other activities instead. there are quite a few really . While your plant will naturally shed any old leaves and stems, most people prefer pruning with sharp shears to remove any unsightly and dying leaves. Is Calathea Rufibarba Safe for Cats, Dogs, or Humans? Calathea plants are common houseplants because they have beautiful leaves and require a relatively low level of care. Calathea insignis. This reaction may come from cats meat-eating nature, as their bodies arent built to process plant stuff well. If you noticed how your cat reaches your Calathea in the first place, youll note that they use the pot as a prop. A: No cat or dog species gets poisoned by a Calathea. How do you care for your Calathea Rufibarba? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Im Donna-Kay and I am a recovering ex-serial plant killer and cat mama. Pets are safe in this condition because Calathea doesnt have any harmful stuff. Buy It: Peacock Plant Calathea Makoyana in a 4 pot, 20.95, Amazon. Foliage is a deep green with burgundy purple undersides. Use a high-quality potting soil . This only means that moisture will escape the system faster in a terra cotta pot than in the plastic pots. If you place it high enough, your cat will be unable to reach it. You can also create your plant room with abundant sunlight and lock it to avoid cat access. Keep it away from other plants for two weeks at least. This way, itll know these plants are for him/her to play with freely. They usually receive minimal UV rays thanks to the canopies above them. As a Canadian expat, Genevieve now lives in Argentina, where she wakes up every morning to horses and cows saying hello from the vast plain next to her home office window. In this case, check that the soil PH is around six and rinse out the soil with distilled water. Keep track of the watering schedule, and dont forget to mist your plant every now and again to ensure youve got clean and pest-free leaves and stems. Therefore, ensure you dont expose them to an excessive amount of direct sunlight as it will make the leaves dull and may get scorched or sunburnt. You can place your plant in an east-facing window or somewhere that is bright enough without any direct sunlight to burn the leaves. Calathea are grown for their beautifully ornamental leaves. If youre not a fan of heavy pots filled with dirt, LECA balls are a great alternative that can help keep your plant healthy without having to mix your soil. You can also use shattered pottery or decorative glass. No, your cat will not become sick from the Calathea. Are All Calathea Plants Non-toxic to Cats? This method would also require you to be around your cat all the time. Calathea rufibarba ideally needs bright indirect light, avoid direct sunlight. Yep, Calathea plants harm cats. If you think that your animal is ill or may have ingested a poisonous substance, . Its not toxic to dogs either, making it a safe option if you have a multi-pet household. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. But eating a lot of leaves could be unhealthy for their health. Deciding what you need most from your plant will help you choose the best fertilizer. This gives a velvety texture and thus its nicknames. The unfamiliar stuff can sometimes upset their stomach leading to these mild symptoms. The good news is that the calathea isnt toxic to cats dogs or other house pets. If you're interested in growing some calatheas, you're in luck! So, theres no need to worry. It can be over-fertilized, so its better to fertilize less. Yes, your already beautiful Calatheas fuzzy leaves can be accompanied by even more beautiful flowers. Flowering bracts(?) The leaves of Calathea can become quite big, and your cat may get easily attracted to them to choke. It is important to note that while calathea plants are not poisonous, the saponins present in them may cause gastrointestinal issues in cats if ingested a lot. In most cases, the change in color could relate to the amount of light it is receiving, or it could be a consequence of the watering schedule and humidity surrounding the plant. The Rufibarba Calathea has no toxic elements, so it is safe for pets or humans. Their decorative leaves and colorful inflorescences (which some species have) make them popular house pot plants. And dont worry, it wont harm your plants growth, You can also add to the water a substance thatll make your cat sneeze. Calathea Rufibarba Care - The Definitive Guide - Plantophiles As tropical plants grow in partly shaded places, they thrive best under low to medium light, which makes them perfect indoor plants. Allow the water to stand for a while before using it (as some of the chemicals dissipate) or use distilled and purified water only. Fertilizer: Use an NPK 3:1:2 feed once a month in the summer months. Required fields are marked *. Plain water might be boring for you and your plants in the long run. Is Calathea Toxic to Cats? Keeping Your Cat Safe | Hepper The water will evaporate around the plant and increase humidity. The Beginners Guide To Calathea Rufibarba - 21 Care Tips Like with all other plants from this family, calathea rufibarba care comes with its quirks. Like most tropical plants, you expect these houseplants to grow in places that are high in humidity (mist them regularly if you live in drier areas or invest in a humidifier). Is Calathea Freddie Toxic To Cats - Cat Meme Stock Pictures and Photos Its also a good rule of thumb to amend the soil at least once a year (just before spring) to allow the plant some fresh nutrients before growing periods.